More “Social Justice Fallacies,” with Thomas Sowell | Uncommon Knowledge

Recorded on September 7, 2023
Thomas Sowell, age 93, is the Rose and Milton Friedman Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution. With his usual fierceness and feistiness intact, Dr. Sowell returns to Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson for a second round of discussion on his latest book (he’s published over 40 titles over his career), Social Justice Fallacies. In this installment, Dr. Sowell discusses in great detail the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and his decades-long friendship with Justice Clarence Thomas. Dr. Sowell also reacts to some KZbin videos of young people reacting to him.
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[@STTPMASFTNE]

I’m at a point in my life where a new interview with Thomas Sowell is more exciting than seeing a new movie.

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@anyfriendofkevinbaconisafr177]

You get me. 😂

[@oversight8243]

Same here

[@jefferymadison1287]

I'm 20 years old and I'd give up video games forever if I had to choose between them and Sowell.

[@somechristianguy5810]

Its crazy how right you are.

[@daviru02]

“When people get used to preferential treatment, equal treatment seems like discrimination. “ - Thomas Sowell

[@kellyandjulieelander5523]

Priceless!

[@nalejbank]

"Where's my damn public "pillow"? I want my public pillow back now!"

[@jakemf1]

Right! Look at the children of wealthy parents!

[@KYash-ggyt42]

❤

[@All2JC2275]

When only whites were qualified you never complained. I do believe skills and character above race, but we all know some believe otherwise.

[@RealSamHailu]

Thomas Sowell is an international treasure, not just a national one.

[@iamkchristian5840]

yes!!! greetings from germany 🇩🇪

[@jannyjt2034]

He is extraordinary wise. God has blessed him.

[@burleybater]

Of course he's global. He might even be universal !

[@philmathieu1017]

"international treasure"??? I can guarantee you that the vast majority of the world has no idea who he is and are all the better for it.

[@Diesel6Power]

93 years old, sharp as a tack and incredibly amazing. What a wonderful man...

[@sixfiftyfive2386]

Yes!

[@egolayer13]

I hope I hold up as well at 93 as Tom has.

[@Consequence]

He's not allowed to die, humanity needs him

[@Scratcherzzz]

Same also cuz the movies suck today

[@TransRoofKorean]

@@Consequence At that age each year is giving you like a 30% chance to kick the bucket, but he certainly seems to be doing great

[@onyejefuanyebe5314]

As a Nigerian national who has been led to believe his entire life that Africa's (and by extension my own) woes have all been the result of the compound effect of colonial rule, racial discrimination, imperialism, and all other companion ills, reading and listening to Thomas Sowell has been nothing but a breath of fresh air. He's become such a pivotal figure for me not simply because of what I've learned from his impressive body of work, but owing to the fact that he's served as a gateway to an entire tradition of thought grounded in a deepseated respect for facts, sound logic, and a general devotion to the pursuit of truth, one that my prior education had unfortunately all too often tried to prejudice me against.

[@janee1578]

Fellow Nigerian here, and I completely agree with you on this! Dr Sowell really changed my perspective

[@peterw.4833]

What a wonderful comment 🙏🏽

[@fredmac1000]

Wrong friend,, your education in the USA has been possible as a result of programs with Similar intentions as the “Affirmative Action”.

[@stellarmella9557]

agreed

[@MP16298]

👍🏾 Nigerian here :)

[@ludwigvonsowell5347]

“When you’re the greatest economist in a generation, they have a name for you, they don’t call you a great economist. They call you Thomas Sowell”~ Chael Sonnen

[@rayhanakram9912]

undefeated undisputed chael only knows facts

[@deejay8ch]

TS: I was a marxist. PR: What changed your mind? TS: Facts. That bit ages as well as TS! Thanks for another great interview.

[@philmathieu1017]

Yeah, easy to be fooled when you look at the wrong 'facts'

[@ccdemuthjr]

When I hear a great professor speak, I grab a pencil and paper. When I hear Prof. Sowell speak, I want to grab a stone and chisel. Carve it in stone. Let people read and re-read Sowell. His voice is the sound of lucidity and words are the words of logic. Conflict of Visions changed everything for me and he's still going strong. What a thinker. What a man.

[@annmhmoore0771]

I first discovered him during COVID lockdown. His voice is calming and his knowledge is mind blowing. Your absolutely right what a man and thinker.

[@buttneked3963]

I added this to my extensive list of notable quotes.

[@maxjohnson5416]

I love the answer to the question " What changed your mind?".... " FACTS...".. just priceless....😅😅😂

[@n.spatrick3228]

yeah that was classic!

[@tonib5662]

This man is absolutely an international gem! He’s brilliant. I could listen to his calming voice for days.

[@SamvedIyer]

In one of the previous interviews, he said that even being taught by Milton Friedman did not disabuse him of Marxist inclinations; but a month-long working with the government did.

[@jameseverett4976]

He could have just as well said "honesty". Because without honesty, facts will be ignored...and ARE ignored. We have the facts - always have had them. What's missing is the honesty or integrity to face, use, and heed them regardless of how or whether it benefits me personally. People ignore facts when they think the facts are not on their side, which usually means they are criminally minded in some way, are not seeking true justice, or want something that facing facts might deny them. The really dangerous aspect of that position is that they understand they will have to fight, or hide the facts on a more or less permanent basis, in order to secure the things they want, which the facts might deny them. As a good example: When Thomas worked at a government department [bureaucracy], and discovered the facts of what that department was doing, he eventually realized that his fellow workers also knew those facts, but preferred to hide or ignore them, for the sake of their jobs. This, you might say, is where Thomas parted ways with those who ignore facts.

[@elviscumez]

"There are always wonderful words to describe things that are not wonderful." -Thomas Sowell

[@philmathieu1017]

Wow, this literally doesn't mean anything at all, what a dude

[@teekayclan9271]

Tell Thomas that I’m a black man in England and I’m spreading his insights and skills every week. To us he is the smartest black man of the last 100 years. Thankyou Tom for teaching us about the Left Wingers

[@kurtvanluven9351]

Hello from across the pond. Wishing you all the best. Coming from the MacKenzie clan, I will avoid saying you were warned. I think we all played a role, but now we work for understanding and sanity.

[@CptEggman]

He's probably one of the smartes men of the last 100 years of any race.

[@BigFrakkinOgre]

He's the smartest man of the last 100 years, not just the smartest black man.

[@gregturk2824]

Black man; I say human. Can anyone name a wiser person in the last 100 years.

[@munneypee]

nah, bruh, he is the most intelligent HUMAN in the last 100 years.

[@vowelsounds6312]

If only we had a million more Thomas Sowells. A truly courageous, compassionate, truth teller even when it hurts.

[@helenmalinowski4482]

If Biden and The Left were not in office, Thomas Sowell would be known as the greatest intellectual in America - and as such, awarded great honours.

[@helenmalinowski4482]

Would Thomas Sowell have some points to share about the very divisive “The Voice” issue in Australia? It’s an attempt to add race to our laws. It’s always been a one person one vote Nation. Now Race will allow First Nation people to have a separate voice to Parliament.

[@BuddyLee23]

I cannot help but picture a marauding legion of Thomas Sowells laying waste to the DNC headquarters or similar. Beware! He destroys his enemies with facts and logic!

[@thelawfus]

I’d settle for 100,000 more with 90% of his integrity and intelligence.

[@F_ckAllTrumpVoters]

😂 U brainwashed 🤡

[@senseofmindshow]

It's amazing how sharp he is at his age... but then again, he's a genius.

[@MichaelSaunier]

Please God, let Thomas Sowell live forever

[@jaed2630]

You might want to know whether Thomas Sowell wants to live forever.

[@Bicentennialbaby76]

My sentiments exactly.

[@twystedhumour]

This must not be! It's why we have children, so that they can carry on Dr. Sowell's legacy and formulate new ideas using his ideas as a foundation. There must be change!

[@alex4950]

Over 40 books published and countless videos archived…he’ll live on in flesh and spirit.

[@zedharith6695]

As a young man from Malaysia, I would like to say thank you to Mr Thomas Sowell. If not for his book, Basic Economics, I would not have the rational mindset and grow as much as I am right now. Thank you with all my heart. May God bless you, Mr Sowell, you truly are a great man in my eyes.

[@rosgill6]

Keep fighting for truth and against false intellectuals, Dr. Sowell! You are an absolute hero for so many

[@olivertilley5877]

By god's grace, this man is still informing us.

[@LibertyPanacea]

I see Thomas Sowell, I click. It's that simple

[@zackiebullock3614]

That's not simple; that's being wise.

[@komaxy3217]

I didn't know about the existence of Thomas Sowell until I found him on KZbin a few years ago. I learned more from him on KZbin than I did my 4 years in college. I even bought one of his books. Plan on buying more. He's one of the G.O.A.T.'s.

[@beaupierrebondurant5651]

Dr.Thomas Sowell is an American treasure. One of my heroes.

[@mdquaglia]

I just got a new favorite Thomas Sowell quote "... it has the support of the academic elite, which some people regard as fact. I am not one of those people..."

[@jakenovak2556]

Dr Sowell for President

[@robertedge6902]

At 93 he puts most youngers to shame. I would love to see any politician debate him. It would be a sight to behold.

[@jackmacri5551]

More from this conversation? Todays my birthday and I couldn’t ask for anything better

[@synthesizerneil]

Happy birthday bud

[@F_ckAllTrumpVoters]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 loser.

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

🎂🎉 Happy Birthday!!!✌️

[@TugboatTony]

I'm gonna cry the day he passes.😢. He is a true American hero.👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@otten5666]

Look on the bright side, you might go first!

[@cup_cuppy_cuppers5817]

So very many people will cry, me included. He's a national treasure. Back in the late 80s - 90s, I read his weekly column in a local newspaper. I watched Larry Elder on KCOP (Channel 9 - L.A.). He had a daily 9-minute spot around 3:30 pm.

[@F_ckAllTrumpVoters]

😂😂😂 wrong.

[@dblev2019]

You won’t be alone🥹! He’s a warrior for the truth!

[@rorystruthers]

Love that the new generations are hearing these words and liking them. Thomas Sowell is truly a man for all ages... and that applies to you too, Peter!

[@last1000]

This man is the solution.

[@spencerantoniomarlen-starr3069]

Nope, his best quote is "There are no solutions, only tradeoffs."

[@vothaison]

The man who points out the tradeoffs.

[@billv7356]

when i saw this video my heart skipped a beat, i thought the last interview was one of the last. thank you dr sowell and hoover, two american legends

[@CPez]

Exactly the same here.

[@egolayer13]

I could listen to Tom all day.

[@spencerbreidenbachmusic]

Thomas Sowell is a satisfying breath of fresh air in the sweltering sewer of modern academia.

[@hennypenny247]

Thomas Sowell's most amazing faculty is his ability and inclination to make up his mind with utterly no consideration for what others may think, regardless of perceived authority or expertise. Having read his autobiography, I believe his mind has worked that way all his life, or at least since early childhood. It's a beautiful thing to witness.

[@jameseverett4976]

In other words, he's honest.

[@Broomtwo]

I hope I can be at least one quarter as sharp as Dr. Sowell is when I am 93 years old.

[@theasianjaywalker4455]

Just hope you make it to 93. almost nobody ever does

[@TiGGowich]

Bless Thomas Sowell and all the work he has done over the course of his life, the people he has inspired and the important discussions he had. It's a shame voices like his are silenced by the woke mob nowadays... I don't think this will end until a war or revolution happen :(

[@hofii2]

The whole concept of a reaction video to Thomas Sowell is at once unbelievable and hopeful.

[@kirkwilcox7023]

One of the greatest minds of our time!

[@goodtalker]

When I taught in the California Department of Corrections, I don't know how many times I "loaned" out a book by Dr.Sowell. Only later did I mention to my students that he was black. They were blown away by this wisdom. Thanks for reading.

[@paradiseisland786]

Brilliance simply brilliant, DONE DEAL.

[@richiephillips1541]

Sowell is simply impressive. He doesn't try to impress with some fancy vocabulary. He just clearly uses common sense, logic and facts that us common people can understand. His high intelligence level is clear for all to see.

[@paulfasolo8552]

Dr. Sowell, you are a national treasure! Thank you sir you have my un-dying gratitude for your straightforward lectures and I am a huge fan of your books.

[@ruthlewis8097]

It’s been over 3 years since we last heard from Dr. Sowell on this channel. I thought maybe his health was declining. I am so HAPPY to see that is NOT the case at all! ❤️

[@2jlee]

Check the channel history. They just published an interview with Dr. Sowell for his latest book, "Social Justice Fallacies". That's why this video's title is "More Social Justice Fallacies". KZbin, in its infinite wisdom, might have decided you didn't need to see it.

[@KLeBoutillier]

How can we keep Sowell alive forever? I like the way he talks.

[@jjuniper274]

I've been watching the reaction videos of young people. Dr. Sowell is very well loved.

[@patriciakimball8150]

I’ve given Sowell’s BASIC ECONOMICS to 2 young men and so far I learned from the father of one of them that “it’s a hit”.

[@Gorbyrev]

Beautifully articulated wisdom. Greetings from the UK where the annointed could sorely do with reading your works Dr Sowell.

[@user-yw8tv8ww5e]

One of Thomas Sowell's best essays, which he wrote over 30 years ago, really comes to mind here: "Do Facts Really Matter?" Sometimes the facts ARE hard and cold and unpleasant. But the facts are what they are, and are still the best way to make the best decisions, especially when it comes to those decisions that will affect millions of people.

[@JosephQuillen]

Hah that's awesome to have Sowell be introduced to our weird little KZbin watch culture.

[@psyskeptic9979]

He is like a second father to me, and this interview brought a tear or two to my eyes. (I am a fifty-something academic!).

[@mattjones530]

Thoma Sowell is The greatest thinker I've ever heard. God bless you Sowell. Also great to see Peter Robinson!

[@zutholady7845]

Every Thomas Sowell interview is just life

[@kurtvanluven9351]

My high school friend told me about Thomas Sowell years ago. I want to thank him for all he has done to inject history / sociology / demographics in an understandable way. I looked up many of his articles & videos going back decades. His mastery of facts is outstanding! The manipulation of the electorate by careless and greedy politicians is not only evil, it is extremely dangerous. Imagine the reaction of the "in" groups when they realize they were played as pawns?

[@JieSuCabc]

Thank you Peter Robinson and Thomas Sowells. Both of you are great.

[@j.hmarvelous2231]

I’m always humble to listen to the American treasure Dr. Thomas Sowell. He has been an intellectual father for so many. He would never admit to the stratospheric influence he’s had to many generations. May GoD bless him with many more years. Much love and respect to an American hero an intellectual giant..🙏🏾👏🏽✊🏾

[@mikeollison4930]

He’s been my best teacher over the years with his books

[@NanaOHL]

So lucky to live in the same time as this icon

[@Gigan47]

Thomas Sowell is quite simply divine.

[@TalksWithKenny]

I'm grateful that I got exposed to Thomas Sowell thanks to a Larry Elder video. This man needs to be more widely known

[@nw-by-n]

Thanks, gentlemen. “Open minds, common sense,” in the words of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew.

[@SlipdeGarcondeJour]

This man is an intellectual giant - I've always enjoyed your interviews of him. Particularly, his one word answer to the question begun at 34:35

[@thomasroberts6610]

One of the most mindful, well spoken, and articulate men of our lifetime to those who have ears will but listen.

[@theneonpython]

I hope i speak and look as good as Sowell at 93, incredible

[@hancehanson4000]

Long-Live Thomas Sowell.

[@terrybennetts7898]

God bless him. The world needs this information now more than ever.

[@arglebargle17]

I can't get enough of these interviews

[@MusicaX79]

Day went from good to Excellent.

[@henrychaikin]

always a refreshing dose of knowledge from Mr. Sowell

[@joannebutzerin6448]

Year after year, book after book. I could never get tired of reading, watching, or listening to Thomas Sowell. What a treasure. Thank you!

[@mariojorge9529]

Thank you very much, Dr. Thomas Sowell! May God bless you and your family!

[@Goldstone93]

There’s a Part 2! What a wonderful surprise.

[@666toysoldier]

I just finished "The Vision of the Annointed." Never have I seen so much wisdom packed onto the pages of a book.

[@severenowoods5471]

Thank you. I really enjoy Mr. Sowell interviews.

[@tylerhanserd8616]

Back to back T sowell. Let’s go!

[@jshellenberger7876]

Thank you, Thomas SOWELL and Walter Williams.

[@416dl]

Those reaction videos are the seeds from which we can genuinely hope will grow some really powerful forces for the change that the elites has so spectacularly failed to bring about. Many thanks and all praise to Dr Sowell and to the Hoover Institute for bringing him to us. Cheers.

[@rigell2764]

Always a pleasure to hear from Mr. Sowell. Thank you for the great content.

[@patriciakimball8150]

A young Tom Sowell with a youngish William F Buckley (perhaps their first meeting on air) and a classic, FOS, do-good white liberal woman is one of my all-time favorite videos. I could see respect, understanding and fondness for Sowell creeping into & out of Buckley’s eyes and, of course, the woman was hilarious and a type we still see today, if not as well dressed.

[@spencerantoniomarlen-starr3069]

Actually, black don't crack, Sowell was 50 years old in that video.

[@OnTheThirdDay]

Wow, a new video? God bless Dr. Sowell. I will hve to watch this later.

[@user-zf4qv4mu3p]

So good. This guy is my hero. Hope he does more of these. He won't be around forever and I treasure the interviews he's already done.

[@SwampyMusic]

This man needs to do Steven Crowder, Daily Wire, Rubin Report, TimCast...the list goes on. Sooo many younger folks need to be introduced to this man. I dont know what teacher of mine put this mans name in my head, I genuinely thought he was a character out of the book "uncle Toms Cabin" which I obviously did not read....I graduated HS in '07. Virtually no one I know knows of Mr Sowell. This can be changed. I know Mr. Sowell is not eager to do interviews, but with his age I truly hope he gets in front of more people. And the timing is perfect for it.

[@marktyler3381]

He's said enough in interviews in the past. I've personally found that race grifters will never check out Sowell, because he isn't exactly on their side.

[@Originalman144]

His interview days are long gone. Plus all of the channels you mentioned would just try to manipulate him for their own gain. He's 93 and this was I think his first on-camera interview in 4+ years. He's left a ton of books and other interviews going back 40+ years.

[@F_ckAllTrumpVoters]

​@@marktyler3381 Can you please tell us which country President Obama was born in?

[@patrickthomas2119]

Sowell has done daily wire and Rubin report. Good interviews both. I’d like to see Sowell do a Sunday special with Shapiro but I think Sowell, God bless him, is old to the point he can only do interviews so long before he needs a break. Trying to do an interview with very fast talking Shapiro would probably be too much for him Sowell would not do an interview with crowder. Crowder is a bombastic idiot.

[@jaredspencer3304]

I was a very smart, intellectually curious white kid with a passion for education. I also grew up poor in public schools in East Los Angeles. I went to a decent college and did very well for myself. As such, I interacted with a lot of Ivy League and other elite college students, and it was obvious that I would have struggled in those institutions. They're just so different from how "regular" schools work. I would thrive in that scene now, but at the time, I would've been completely lost in a system that didn't emphasize teaching. I succeeded as much as I did *precisely because* I went to a college that wasn't beyond my capacity.

[@karenlynne6200]

Watched his old interview on YT then just can't stop anymore, then bought his books & autobiography... man, he's a living proof that smart hardworking people can always figure a way out & make it in life no matter how tough things get. His truthful words opened up my mind & new perspective of seeing the world, the society, & all the tricks & fallacies "installed" in our life then being taught/brainwashed/reinforced by schools & culture "norms" while growing up. Long live Thomas Sowell! I think he can live to 100+, at 93, he's articulating data & facts better than lots of academics. I have to rewind sometimes to listen again & think about the deep meaning behind his words.

[@julius7799]

Uncommon Knowledge with Thomas SOUL!

[@marcomac8824]

What a true American hero.

[@Bryce1775]

This man is 93 years old. Still undefeated

[@edro3838]

Peter Robinson’s admiration for Thomas Sowell is a beautiful thing. I share that admiration as well. Peter conducts a wonderful interview of this great man.

[@lifetools-help8017]

Brilliant, honest and caring as always! I'm so grateful for you Dr Sowell!

[@bobpeterson7182]

Glad we got another interview with you two!

[@miamigrl5736]

Justice Jackson does not even know what a woman is? Love listening to Thomas Sowell what an intelligent man..

[@DAWN001]

So many people are saying “why didn’t I know about him earlier”. I’m donating Thomas Sowell books to my child’s school so his friends won’t have the same regrets when they are older.

[@user-wi1bi4bc5v]

that's wonderful - God bless you!🌠

[@drewmurray6545]

We love you Thomas Sowell! Thank you for enlightening many of us to new ways of thinking, and being so level headed and kind in doing so. I aspire to be as successful as you in helping others understand the truth

[@bones23jones]

There needs to be an interview for every chapter

[@kentmattingley1792]

Thomas Sowell is a national treasure! Both he and Walter Williams represent the very best of our country.

[@adamduarte895]

So sad WW died 😢

[@milesdavis2377]

My hero

[@beybladeguru101]

As many others have said, he is truly an American treasure. May Thomas Sowell live to release another 40 books!

[@dblev2019]

Keep interviewing Dr. Sowell! Make up reasons if you have to! We need to suck every last bit of wisdom out of this man before the Lord takes him home. Dr. Sowell is the most trusted person on issues such as race, culture, history, and finance, and he looks fantastic for 93. He’s a warrior for humanity. I pray that God will allow him to continue sharing his knowledge well into his 100’s!

[@shamshiadad9878]

So glad there is a part two.

[@yamato1420]

It's wonderful to see Sowell interviewed by such a great interviewer as Peter Robinson whose general knowledge and rare respect towards the spirit and the thinking behind the words of the book give an even deeper insight into the book than can even often be had by reading it fully. I honestly thought that the interview on charter schools would be his last, considering he might like to be left well enough alone and that Jason Riley considered the book something of a Swan Song for Sowell. But here he is, speaking vividly and with passion for the subjects he's devoted his life to. I'd be interested in seeing an interview of Sowell on Stossel, especially since Stossel has gone on an interview mania recently and both have mentioned the other in their respective books.

[@waheisel]

Thomas Sowell is the man. And you've got to love Peter Robinson as an interviewer.

[@markschwab5694]

TS is one of the few men in America I admire. I like how he talks as well. His common sense is relentless.

[@wimaxrocks]

We would really appreciate a weekly video with one of the greatest Americans! I am sure a lot of us would love that.

[@Theeagers]

I find Peter’s treatment of the closing of this interview quite moving… he seems to almost become emotional realizing suddenly he’s lucky to be able to interview TS once again, but also realizing he may not have twang more tries. :(

[@sidneyloggins2487]

This man is from North Carolina! What a GREAT National Treasure he is!

[@joelmartin2826]

Rich book, Dr. Sowell-thank you